Steinberg UR28M Operation Manual

							Panel Controls for the Software Programs
UR28M  Operation Manual21
SIDE CHAIN Q
Adjusts the band width of the side chain filter 
(page 27).
Range:  0.50 – 16.00
 SIDE CHAIN F
Adjusts the center frequency of the side chain 
filter.
Range:  20.0 Hz – 20.0 kHz
 SIDE CHAIN G
Adjusts the gain of the side chain filter.
Range:  -18.0 dB – +18.0 dB
 COMPRESSOR On/Off
Turns the compressor on (lit) and off (dark).
 Compressor Curve
This graph indicates the approximate compressor 
response. The vertical axis indicates the output 
signal level, and the horizontal axis indicates the 
input signal level.

 Gain Reduction Meter
Indicates the gain reduction.
 DRIVE
Adjusts the degree to which the compressor is 
applied. The higher the value, the greater the 
effect.
Range:  0.00 – 10.00
Equalizer
Equalizer Curve
This graph indicates the characteristics of the 3-
band equalizer. The vertical axis indicates the 
gain, and the horizontal axis indicates the 
frequency. You can adjust LOW, MID, and HIGH 
by dragging each handle in the graph.
 LOW F
Adjusts the center frequency of the low band.
Range:  20.0 Hz – 1.00 kHz
 LOW G
Adjusts the gain of the low band.
Range:  -18.0 dB – +18.0 dB
 MID Q
Adjusts the band width of the middle band.
Range:  0.50 – 16.00
 MID F
Adjusts the center frequency of the middle band.
Range:  20.0 Hz – 20.0 kHz
 MID G
Adjusts the gain of the middle band.
Range:  -18.0 dB – +18.0 dB
 HIGH F
Adjusts the center frequency of the high band.
Range:  500.0 Hz – 20.0 kHz
 HIGH G
Adjusts the gain of the high band.
Range:  -18.0 dB – +18.0 dB
 EQUALIZER On/Off
Turns the equalizer on (lit) and off (dark).
Option Description
SOFT Produces the most gradual change.
MEDIUM Middle setting between SOFT and 
HARD.
HARD Produces the sharpest change. 
						

							Panel Controls for the Software Programs
UR28M  Operation Manual22
REV-X
This is the window for configuring the REV-X 
settings. Three types of REV-X are available: Hall, 
Room, and Plate.
NOTE
• The REV-X equipped with the device and REV-X of 
the VST Plug-in version have the same parameters. 
However, the “OUTPUT” and “MIX” parameters are 
only available in the VST Plug-in version.
• When using the REV-X on Cubase series  programs, you can share the settings between the 
built-in REV-X and the REV-X of the VST Plug-in 
version as a preset file.
• When using the built-in REV-X on Cubase series  programs, turn on the “Direct Monitoring” setting in 
the program.
• When assigning the REV-X of the VST Plug-in  version to the effect slot on Cubase series 
programs, select it from the “Reverb” category (in 
the case of the default settings).
• The built-in REV-X is equipped with an “FX Bus”  which is used for sending the signal from DAW 
software to the REV-X. For example, to send the 
recorded audio data to the REV-X, you can check 
the sound with the REV-X, which is used for 
monitoring during the recording.
Screenshot
How to Open the Window
From Dedicated Windows for Cubase 
Series
• Click “REV-X Edit” (page 18) in the section “Input Settings Window.” • Click “REV-X Edit” (page 18) in the section “Reverb 
Routing Window.”
From the dspMixFx UR28M
Click “REV-X Edit” (page 13) in the section “Master 
Area.”
Panel Controls
NOTE
This section uses the Hall type of REV-X as an 
example.
 Reverb Time
Adjusts the reverb time. This parameter links to 
Room Size. The adjustable range varies 
depending on the REV-X type.
 Initial Delay
Adjusts the time that elapses between the direct, 
original sound and the initial reflections that follow 
it.
Range:  0.1 msec – 200.0 msec
 Decay
Adjusts the characteristic of the envelope from 
the moment the reverberation starts to the 
moment it attenuates and stops.
Range:  0 – 63
REV-X type Range
Hall 0.103 sec – 31.0 sec
Room 0.152 sec – 45.3 sec
Plate 0.176 sec – 52.0 sec 
						

							Panel Controls for the Software Programs
UR28M  Operation Manual23
Room Size
Adjusts the size of the simulated room. This 
parameter links to Reverb Time.
Range:  0 – 31
 Diffusion
Adjusts the spread of the reverberation.
Range:  0 – 10
 HPF
Adjusts the cutoff frequency of the high pass filter.
Range:  20 Hz – 8.0 kHz
 LPF
Adjusts the cutoff frequency of the low pass filter.
Range:  1.0 kHz – 20.0 kHz
 Hi Ratio
Adjusts the duration of reverberation in the high 
frequency range by using a ratio relative to the 
Reverb Time. When you set this parameter to 1, 
the actual specified Reverb  Time is fully applied 
to the sound. The lower the value, the shorter the 
duration of reverberation in the high frequency 
range.
Range:  0.1 – 1.0
 Low Ratio
Adjusts the duration of reverberation in the low 
frequency range by using a ratio relative to the 
Reverb Time. When you set this parameter to 1, 
the actual specified Reverb  Time is fully applied 
to the sound. The lower the value, the shorter the 
duration of reverberation in the low frequency 
range.
Range:  0.1 – 1.4

 Low Freq
Adjusts the frequency of the Low Ratio.
Range:  22.0 Hz – 18.0 kHz
 OPEN/CLOSE
Opens and closes the window which adjusts the 
reverb settings.
! Graph
Indicates the characteristics of reverberation. The 
vertical axis indicates the signal level, the 
horizontal axis indicates the time, and the Z-axis 
indicates the frequency. You can adjust the 
characteristics of reverberation by dragging the 
handles in the graph.
 OUTPUT (VST Plug-in version only)
Indicates the output level of the REV-X. 
MIX (VST Plug-in version only)
Adjusts the output level balance between the 
original sound and effect sound.
Range:  0% – 100%
 Time Axis Setting
Select the display range of the time (horizontal 
axis) on the graph.
Display range:  500 msec – 50 sec
? Zoom Out
Zooms out the display range of the time 
(horizontal axis) on the graph.
 Zoom In
Zooms in the display range of the time (horizontal 
axis) on the graph.
TIPS
• You can reset some parameters to the default  value by holding the [C trl]/[command] key while 
you click on the knobs, sliders, and faders.
• You can adjust the parameters more finely by  holding the [SHIFT] key while you drag on the 
knobs, sliders, and faders. 
						

							Usage Examples
UR28M  Operation Manual24
Usage Examples
Introduction
This section introduces some usage examples of 
the device. It is assumed that the audio driver 
settings on the DAW software have been properly 
configured according to the “Basic Operation” 
section in the included Getting Started manual. If 
you have not configured them yet, refer to the 
section “Basic Operation” to complete the 
configuration.
Recording with the Channel 
Strip and REV-X
This section shows how to record a vocal to DAW 
software using the built-in Channel Strip and REV-X 
on the device. When using Cubase series 
programs, it is handy to use the project template. 
These project templates include the settings of the 
Channel Strip and REV-X. You can start recording 
instantly by opening the project template. When 
using programs other than the Cubase series, use 
the dspMixFx UR28M.
Connection Example
Operation
Cubase Series Programs
1.Launch the Cubase series DAW.
The Project Assistant window appears.
2.Select the project template “Steinberg 
UR28M Vocal-Inst Recording 1” in 
“Recording” on the Project Assistant 
window, then click [Create].
3.Turn on Direct Monitoring as follows.
[Devices]  [Device Setup]   [Yamaha 
Steinberg USB ASIO] (Windows) or [Steinberg 
UR28M] (Mac)   enter checkmark to “Direct 
Monitoring”   [OK]
4.Confirm that the "Record Enable” and 
“Monitor” indicators are turned on (lit) for 
the audio track.
5.While singing into the microphone, adjust 
the input signal level of the microphone by 
the INPUT GAIN knob on the device.
Adjust the input signal level so that the red 
lamp in the INPUT meter does not light.
6.While singing into the microphone, adjust 
the output signal level of the headphones by 
the PHONES knob on the device.
7.Set the Channel Strip settings and REV-X 
settings on the Input Settings window.
Select the Channel Strip Insertion Location 
depending on the desired insert point. The 
default setting is “Lower” (applied to both the 
monitor signal and the recording signal). For 
details on the Insertion Location, refer to the 
“Channel Strip Insertion Location” (page 18) in 
the section “Dedicated Windows for Cubase 
Series.”
Computer Monitor speakers
Headphones Microphone 
						

							Usage Examples
UR28M  Operation Manual25
8.Click “Record” to start the recording.
9.After finishing the recording, click “Stop” to 
stop it.
10.Turn “Monitor” off (dark) for the audio track.
11.Click the Ruler to move the project cursor to 
the desired point for starting playback.
12.Click “Play” to check the recorded sound.
When listening to the sound over monitor 
speakers, adjust the output signal level by the 
OUTPUT LEVEL knob on the device. 
Operation is now completed.
Programs Other Than Cubase Series
1.Launch your DAW software.
2.Open the dspMixFx UR28M.
For instructions on how to open the dspMixFx 
UR28M, refer to the section “How to Open the 
Window” (page 10).
3.Adjust the input signal level of the 
microphone by the INPUT GAIN knob on the 
device.
Adjust the input signal level so that the red 
lamp in the INPUT meter does not light.
4.Adjust the output signal level of the 
headphone by the PHONES knob on the 
device.
5.Set the Channel Strip settings and REV-X 
settings on the dspMixFx UR28M.
6.Start recording on your DAW software.
7.After finishing recording, stop it.
8.Playback the newly recorded sound to 
check it.
Operation is now completed.
Controlling the Monitor Sound
This section shows how to control the monitor sound 
by using the buttons and knobs on the device.
Connection Example
Monitor speakers Monitor speakers
Portable audio player Computer 
						

							Usage Examples
UR28M  Operation Manual26
Operation
1.
Play back some music with your DAW 
software or music player.
2.Control the monitor sound by using the 
following buttons and knobs.
OUTPUT button A–C
OUTPUT LEVEL knob
MUTE button
MONO MIX button
DIM button
For details on the buttons and knobs, refer to 
the “Front Panel” (page 5) in the section “Panel 
Control and Terminals (Details).”
The procedures are now complete.
Using the Device Without a 
Computer
This section shows how to use the device without a 
computer, allowing you to use it as a standalone 
mixer or A/D - D/A converter. You can save the DSP 
mixer and DSP effect settings configured by the 
dspMixFx UR28M to the device. These settings are 
maintained even if you turn off the power of the 
device.
Connection Example Procedures
1.
Connect the device to a computer with a 
USB cable.
2.Turn on the device.
3.Open the dspMixFx UR28M.
For instructions on opening the dspMixFx 
UR28M, refer to the “How to Open the Window” 
(page 10) in the section “dspMixFx UR28M.”
4.Configure the DSP mixer and DSP effect 
settings.
5.When you make the settings, click [X] on the 
upper left of the window to close the 
dspMixFx UR28M.
The settings of the dspMixFx UR28M are saved 
to the device.
The operation is now complete.
Monitor speakersMicrophone
Portable audio player Guitar
Synthesizer 
						

							Appendix
UR28M  Operation Manual27
Appendix
Glossary
MIX
MIX refers to the stereo output signals which flow in 
the device. The input signals to the device flow to 
each MIX. You can assign any MIX to any analog 
output jack or any digital output jack.
VST Plug-in
VST (Virtual Studio Technology) is a technology 
developed by Steinberg which allows the integration 
of virtual effect processors and instruments into your 
digital audio environment. VST Plug-ins are 
instrument- and effect-based software of VST 
format. When you install a VST Plug-in to your 
computer, it will work on any DAW software 
compatible with VST Plug-ins, such as Cubase 
series.
DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
DAW is an integrative system of music production, 
which lets you record and edit digital audio data. 
DAW software programs are applications which 
allow you to build such comprehensive systems on 
a computer.
Wo rd  C l o ck
Word clock synchronizes the process timing of 
audio signals when transferring digital audio data 
between multiple devices. Normally, one device 
transmits a reference word clock signal, and the 
other devices receive this word clock signal and 
synchronize to it. If the word clock signal is not 
transferred correctly, click noise may occur or 
recording may not be successful, even if the sample 
rates of the various devices are set to the same 
value.
Buffer Size
Buffer size refers to the amount of memory used to 
temporarily hold data during playback and 
recording. It is recommended to adjust the buffer 
size depending on the situation. Normally, a higher 
buffer size reduces load to the computer CPU but 
produces latency (time lag). Smaller buffer sizes 
reduce latency but produce greater load to the 
computer CPU. This high load to the computer CPU 
may result in noise or the sound cutting off.
Scene
A Scene is stored data which maintains the settings 
on the Main window of ds pMixFx UR28M. You can 
recall the stored Scene in dspMixFx UR28M, and up 
to 20 Scenes can be stored.
Settings file of  the dspMixFx UR28M
The settings file of the  dspMixFx UR28M is a data 
file including up to 20 scenes which can be saved to 
your computer. You can load the dspMixFx UR28M 
settings file to the dspMixFx UR28M.
Sweet Spot Data
Sweet Spot Data are preset settings data of the 
Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip created by top-
class engineers. This data includes the settings for 
the compressor and equalizer which are saved to 
each five points around the MORPH knob.
Side Chain Filter
The side chain filter is a peaking filter which adjusts 
the frequency range to which the compressor is 
applied. It features Q (band width), F (center 
frequency), and G (gain) parameters. For example, 
if the compressor reduces the audio signal level 
excessively because only the specified frequency of 
the audio signal is at a high level (and other 
frequencies are lower), you can selectively lower the 
level of the specified frequency by using this 
peaking filter. This will pr event the compressor from 
excessive level reduction. 
						

							Appendix
UR28M  Operation Manual28
Contents of the Getting 
Started Section
PRECAUTIONS
Introduction
A Message from the Development Team
Included Accessories
How to Read the Manual
Panel Controls and Terminals
Rear Panel
Front Panel
Setup
1. Setting up the Power Supply
2. Installing Cubase AI
3. Installing TOOLS for UR28M
4. Downloading the Li censes (Activation)
Basic Operations
Introduction
Connection Example
Configuring Audio Driver Settings on 
the DAW Software
Troubleshooting
Appendix
Contents of the Operation Manual
Uninstalling TOOLS for UR28M
Specifications 
						

							Appendix
UR28M  Operation Manual29
Signal Flow
The following chart indicates the signal flow in the device.
NOTE
• The controllers on the device, such as the HI-Z switch, INPUT GAIN knob, and OUTPUT LEVEL knob, are not 
included in this chart.
• To configure each parameter, use the “dspMixFx UR28M” (p age 9) or “Dedicated Windows for Cubase Series” 
(page 15).
MIX 3
MIX 2
Ch. Strip
(MON.FX)
MIX 1
Ch. Strip
(INS.FX)
Ch. Strip
(MON.FX)
Ch. Strip(INS.FX)
Ch. Strip
(MON.FX)
Ch. Strip(INS.FX)
*4
*3
*2
*1
REV-X
USB
To DAW input
From DAW output
To PHONES 1
To LINE OUTPUT A
To LINE OUTPUT B
To LINE OUTPUT C
To S/PDIF OUT
To PHONES 2
OUTPUT SELECT
REV-X select
Volume
PanVolumePanVolumePanVolume Pan
REV-XSend
LevelREV-X Send
LevelREV-X Send
LevelREV-X Return LevelREV-XReturn LevelREV-XReturn Level
From MIC/
LINE/HI-Z 1 From
LINE INPUT 4 From
S/PDIF IN From
2TR IN 
						

							Appendix
UR28M  Operation Manual30
*1The following chart indicates the Ch.Strip (Channel Strip) insertion location.
You can apply four Channel Strips to mono channels, or two Channel Strips to a stereo channel.
*2 One of the MIX 1–3 signals can be sent to the REV-X.
*3 The built-in REV-X is equipped with an “FX Bus” which is used for sending the signal from DAW software to 
the REV-X. For example, to send the recorded audio data to the REV-X, you can check the sound with the 
REV-X, which is used for monitoring during the recording.
*4 To select the output signal for LINE OUTPUT A–C, use the buttons on the device . The following charts  indicate the structures.
Alternate mode
Independent mode
Ch. Strip
Ch. Strip
Upper (INS.FX)
From input on the device
To DAW
input To DAW
inputTo DAW
input
To output on the device
Lower (MON.FX)
From input on the device
To output on the device
Not applied (OFF)
From input on the device To output on the device
MIX 3
MIX 2
MIX 1
To LINE 
OUTPUT A
To LINE 
OUTPUT B
To LINE 
OUTPUT COUTPUT button A
OUTPUTbutton B
OUTPUTbutton C
SOURCESELECT buttonMONO MIX
buttonMUTE buttonOUTPUT LEVELknobDIM
button
MIX 3
OUTPUT button A
LINK
OUTPUT button B
OUTPUT button C
MIX 2
MIX 1
SOURCE
SELECT buttonMONO MIX
buttonMUTE buttonOUTPUT LEVELknob
SOURCESELECT buttonMONO MIX
buttonMUTE buttonOUTPUT LEVELknob
SOURCESELECT buttonMONO MIX
buttonMUTE buttonOUTPUT LEVELknob
DIM button
To LINE 
OUTPUT A
To LINE 
OUTPUT B
To LINE 
OUTPUT C